Augusta, United States (AFP) - Expect the Masters to pay tribute to golf icon Arnold Palmer next week when the first Major tournament since the legend's death at age 87 tees off at Augusta National.

Palmer died last September while awaiting heart surgery, just days before the United States reclaimed the Ryder Cup from Europe in a team victory dedicated to the golfing pioneer.

"Arnold meant an awful lot to every one of us," said four-time Major champion Rory McIlroy. "Anyone that is involved with the game of golf in any capacity."

Augusta National Golf Club chairman Billy Payne, in comments made shortly after Palmer's death, said this year's 81st Masters event would honor the seven-time Major champion, who collected green jackets in 1958, 1960, 1962 and 1964.

"Arnold answered the calling for Masters greatness throughout his career," Payne said.

"The inspiration we drew from Arnold Palmer is what we celebrate now and forever. "We will do our very best to appropriately pay our respects to Arnold Palmer - a Masters legend, our game's finest ambassador and a hero to generations of people throughout the world,"

"He treated people, and carried himself on so many different levels, the way we all aspire to. His personality was bigger than his golf in so many ways," McDowell said.

"There are just so many intangibles that as young players we can't really grasp because the world has changed so much in the last 20 years, but he laid down the foundations for a lot of the things that we know."

McDowell recalled meeting Palmer at Portrush at a Senior British Open and being mesmerised by his charm. "

He was the first golfing superstar, the first guy who was more than just a golfer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, all the things we try to emulate ourselves now," McDowell said.

"In a funny way, since his passing, we probably are getting a better education now as we feel everything he has done for the game. His legacy will be carried forward in so many different ways."

Nowhere was that more true than at Augusta, where he served as a ceremonial starter alongside his greatest rivals, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.

"Arnold's bold and daring approach to the game, combined with his citizenship, warmth, humor, humility and grace, were truly the signature of the man," Payne said.

"His presence at Augusta will be sorely missed, but his impact on the Masters remains immeasurable - and it will never wane."

Palmer even hinted at his everlasting Masters legacy after his final competitive Augusta round in 2004.

"I don't think I could ever separate myself from this club and this tournament," Palmer said. "I may not be present, I may not be here, but I'll still be a part of what happens here."

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